{"id":382210,"date":"2025-02-17T15:50:22","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T15:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?post_type=definition&p=382210"},"modified":"2025-02-17T15:50:22","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T15:50:22","slug":"check-poker","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/check-poker","title":{"rendered":"Check Mean (Poker)"},"content":{"rendered":"

A check in poker is an important move which could signify anything from you giving up your hand, to you trying to get more information, or even setting a trap when you have the nuts.<\/p>\n

So what exactly is checking in poker, and how you do it? We’ll walk you through the ins and outs, including when you should and shouldn’t check. We’ll be focusing on a standard Texas Hold\u2019em setup, as that\u2019s the most common game you\u2019ll play \u2013 but it will mostly apply to any type of poker.<\/p>\n

What Does Check Mean in Poker?<\/span><\/h2>\n

To check in poker is to basically do nothing when it\u2019s your turn<\/strong>. That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re not throwing your cards into the muck, or sticking in a fat wad of chips. You\u2019re simply moving action to the next player without having changed anything.<\/p>\n

To briefly step aside from poker terms<\/a>, it\u2019s like saying: \u201cAfter you, kind sir\/m\u2019lady\u201d to the next player.<\/p>\n

Checking is very common in poker, and is definitely not always a sign of weakness or bad play. When used at the right times, a check can quite often be the correct decision.<\/p>\n

To check in live tournament poker, you can say the word \u201ccheck\u201d or you can tap the table.<\/p>\n

All the best online poker sites<\/a> will have a button that says \u201cCheck\u201d. Handily, it only appears when you can use it, so you can\u2019t accidentally check after somebody\u2019s already bet.<\/p>\n

When You Can & Can’t Check<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let’s have a look at some situations to help you understand when this move is allowed. If you’re new to the game, it’s worth learning how to play poker<\/a> and familiarizing yourself with the rules before anything else.<\/p>\n

\"\u274c\"Pre-flop<\/h3>\n

To take part in a hand of Hold\u2019em poker, you need to put in a number of chips equal to or greater than the big blind.<\/p>\n

When you check, you put in no chips. This means that you can\u2019t check pre-flop.<\/p>\n

The only exception<\/strong> is if you\u2019re sitting in the big blind and nobody else raises. When the action comes to you, you have two options:<\/p>\n

\n
    \n
  • <\/i> Check and see a flop<\/li>\n
  • <\/i> Raise and put the action back on your next opponent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    \"\u274c\"Post-flop<\/h3>\n

    After the flop, turn or river and when it\u2019s your turn to act in poker, there will be two or three possible options at your fingertips.<\/p>\n

    The first trio of options will be:<\/p>\n

    \n
      \n
    • <\/i> Fold<\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Call<\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Raise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

      These are the options you\u2019ll have if somebody has bet before you in that particular round of betting.<\/p>\n

      Notice \u2013 no option to check there.<\/p>\n

      But, if nobody has bet yet,<\/strong> you\u2019ll only have two options:<\/p>\n

      \n
        \n
      • <\/i> Check<\/li>\n
      • <\/i> Raise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

        Remember, checking is when you don\u2019t put any chips in but you also don\u2019t fold. If all players are on the same page, the action can check round and the next card will be dealt.<\/p>\n